Naples Florida

For weeks now I have been looking for a new spin on old resolutions. I have been searching for a way to start 2018 fresh and different with motivation and inspiration, as 2017 left me feeling quite blue.Read more

The easiest and fastest way to sell your home is to give potential buyers a canvas as blank — or as neutral — as possible. Potential buyers need to be able to instantly envision where their stuff is going to go in your home.

De-Clutter. No, Really. Pack the Knick Knacks.

Potential home buyers want to see the space. Not your collection of Princess Diana plates. Take this opportunity to start packing, sorting and purging your belongings. Give home buyers a clear view of wall, floor and shelving spaces. Make your home unforgettable — for all the right reasons.

As a newlywed, I faced what many new brides must deal with after moving into their new husbands’ spaces — transforming a bachelor pad into a home. Without a pool table in the middle of the living room.

As you can see, our starting point of the master bedroom bathroom had been handled with bachelor care, i.e., “Yeah…that’s easy to fix. Later.” One of the towel rack handles had been broken off, electrical outlets needed to be updated into the 21st century and the mirrored medicine cabinet was literally falling out of the wall.

I wanted to create a bold, luxurious master bedroom for us, making sure to carry the sexy undertones into our en suite. To Pinterest I went! This gorgeous wall, pinned by DesignDazzle.com, would be my inspiration.

Step 1: Map out your wall.

Measure the entire wall. Look to your inspiration for a game plan. I wanted three major columns vertically, so I began my calculations on a sketch pad with each column being 12 inches wide. I then added additional inches inbetween each column to evenly space them, and added inches at the left- and right-hand ends to evenly center the pattern on the wall overall. Repeat the same process for the length. It doesn’t matter if you sketch is drawn perfectly to scale, in crazy freehand such as mine, or drawn over the photo, what matters most is your numbers. As you start to mask out the pattern in painter’s tape, adjustments on the fly may be needed. Keep your calculator handy.

Step 2: Tapping the pattern.

First, prep your wall. Repair and fill any holes, dents, etc., as you can see, we totally removed the towel bar and kept the assistance handle. For one, any towel hanging on the rack would hang directly in the way of the assistance bar and, we plan to sell our condo in the next couple of years, living in the retirement hub of the world, Southwest Florida, an assistance bar would be considered a bathroom asset.

Next, paint the entire wall the color you wish the pattern itself to be; I used Pantone in Mood Indigo in Valspar Signature with an eggshell finish. Make sure this layer has a even and full coverage; let dry overnight. Using a ruler, pencil and Scotch Blue 1.5-inch Painter’s Tape, start applying your pattern. This the most tedious part of the project, as you MUST measure from every point to ensure the pattern is even vertically and horizontally. Believe me, if you are off even the slightest bit, it will be noticeable. Slow and steady wins the race here in taping out the pattern. I would tape out a square…take a break…stape out a square…take a break. I won’t lie, this took about four hours over the course of one evening to complete.

Step 3: Top coat.

After painstakingly applying the pattern, paint the entire wall your top coat color. And, yes, completely cover your pattern. I used Pantone in White Aparagus in Valspar Signature paint in an eggshell finish. Make sure to coat with full and even coverage, perhaps two coats, and let dry for two to three days. Yes, two to three DAYS.

Step 4: Peel and fix.

After letting your top coat completely dry, test the waters by gently peeling back the edge of one section of tape. When completely dry, the tape will peel off easily without smearing any paint, leaving a clean, crisp line. Continue to gently remove the tape, one piece at a time. After the whole pattern is revealed, some touch up will be necessary. I completed our wall by adding a contrasting decorative leaves I painted a burnt orange, which ties our accent wall and colors into our master bedroom rug.

My father passed away many years ago. So many so, sometimes my memory of him feels like swirling dust – the fine, tiny particles of the image of his face, disappearing as the air carries them in all different directions.

As I packed up my life last summer for my big move south, I came across my big, blue Tiffany & Co. box I keep of all my fondest mementos of him in. One of which was his gray, cardigan sweater.

As I sat holding his sweater and remembering him in it, his memory, image and spirit were so strong. As I held the sweater, I could feel him all around me. I didn’t want that feeling to slip away once I returned the sweater to its box.

What could I do with his sweater? I thought of draping it across my sofa or living room accent chair, but it only ended up looking like a misplaced piece of laundry. I thought of repurposing it as a pillow cover, but that only ended in looking super awkward. To really figure out what to do, to Pinterest I went!

As I searched for some DIY sweater upcycling ideas, my solution hit me. I would craft my dad’s sweater into some sort of sock monkey, I mean sweater monkey, for which I had an extensive collection. As I refined my search, I discovered one step better – an upcycled sweater cat. Perfect, or rather, purr-fect.

WEEKEND EXCURSION

Naples, Florida

Amy shares her off-duty local favorites

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT WEEKENDS IN NAPLES

Sleeping late (late means 8:00AM to us), drinking coffee in bed with my love watching the morning news, and cocktails on the lanai watching the sunset. We also do a lot of napping, reading, working out at the North Collier Regional Park Rec-Plex and rounds of golf at our home, High Point Country Club. We also love to walk to one of our favorite spots, the 12st Pier, at least once a weekend.

FAVE FOOD

With tacos in Joe’s blood {no, really, his dad founded and created Taco Joe’s, a chain of Mexican restaurants in the Northeast}, we love to cook homemade tacos and burritos for lunch on the weekends – complete with the family secret spice recipe.
We eat out at one of our favorite local spots, which are put on rotation. We absolutely crave Campiello’s on Third Street, Rosedale Pizza on Pine Ridge Road, Harold’s Burgers on 41 and cocktails at Dusk in the Ritz-Carlton on Vanderbilt Beach Road.

SHOPPING

Little known fact about shopping in Naples beyond the luxurious hot spots of Waterside Shops, The Village on Venetian Bay and the Coastline Mall are its’ fabulous and many times close to divine consignment, second-hand and thrift stores. Some of my favorites include Home and Salvage Consignment on Taylor Street, Salvation Army Family Store on Davis Boulevard, Avow Hospice Treasures & Books on 41, and Options Thrift Shoppe on 2nd Avenue. What’s better than a great deal on designer treasures – helping phenomenal charities at the same time.

WEEKEND READING

Begins Thursday with Naples Florida Weekly hot off the presses; if something is going on in Naples during the weekend, it will be in this paper. Gulfshore Life magazine and endless interior design books on my Nook.

I had the pleasure of attending a personal appearance by Aerin Lauder, founder of AERIN, a global luxury lifestyle sub-brand of the esteemed Estee Lauder powerhouse, last week at Clive Daniel HOME, here in Naples.

I must admit, on the drive there I was still crossing my fingers this appearance wouldn’t be some strange rendition of Avenue Q – where someone’s hand is up Aerin’s derrière, making her lips move with all the right brand-speak, proving she is nothing more than a mere placard for a super brand trying to cash in on its heir.

In researching the World of AERIN’s design philosophy before attending, I became drunk with consuming in access all “effortless beautiful living” has to offer – stunning photographs of modelesque homes, men and women, $3,735 golden side tables, lavish musks, costume jewelry and eyewear – I could barely keep from slurring my words.

As I kept drinking it all in, the veteran marketer in me started to step in, throw me in a cold shower and sober me up. As I surfed from page to page, I saw AERIN the brand in literal physical form, but where was Aerin the interior designer, fashion trend setter, entrepreneur, creator? That part of AERIN the brand and Aerin the founder, was – in all efforts – missing.

I wanted to learn her thought processes when curating her furniture pieces, her inspirations when creating her different product lines, where she studied design, and the details of each furniture piece. There was nothing. There was no effort given in telling AERIN’s story as an artist, overall brand or history-rich heir. To be a successful marketer, it’s all about storytelling – creating narrative around your products to give them life, appeal and status; AERIN’s strive for effortless living has indeed created an air of lack of effort.

It was disappointing to me as a designer, marketer and consumer to realize I had had beer goggles on while falling in love with the World of AERIN. Unfortunately, my disappointment grew worse. As I viewed each product under Furnishings, I was astonished to discover there was no information listed about the origin, details or designer. How can AERIN expect consumers to pay in upwards of $10,000 for a single piece without knowing any sort of provenance?

AERIN showroom floor | Clive Daniel HOME, Naples, Florida

What was even more disappointing you may ask? To hear her unable to answer the question, “Where is your furniture manufactured?” at the event. Aerin, in true lack-of-effort style, had to refer to another AERIN executive next to her for the information. Heavy sigh.

Don’t get me wrong, Aerin seemed lovely, gracious and kind; after my research and attendance, I simply lack respect for her position at AERIN. For me, especially as both a business owner and professor, do your homework, know your product, and at least pretend to be the driving force behind the company you allegedly founded. Whether you are indeed the roll-up-your-sleeves, hands-on founder or mere 16-million-share-holder marionette – make the effort – be professional.

Shutters have forever had their origins associated with the rise of the Historic South, casting vivid images of old, magnificent cotton plantation homes, Georgian wrap-around front porches, and Gone with the Wind, of course I always tend to instantly flash to Carol Burnett’s Went with the Wind myself. While shutters were popular during that era, they actually date back to Ancient Greece.

Ancient Greece Shutters

Originally designed out of marble as a luxury for the Greek aristocracies, their function is the same as it is today, thousands of years later – provide light, sun and temperature control. With the rise of the Roman Empire, window shutters began to spread into Western Europe as one of the first interior design trends. King Louis XIV of France is rumored to have insisted on their presence in his domicile; shutters enabled the royal women to nap comfortably without shutting out air circulation and allowed the cooks to control the sunlight heating up the kitchen.

As craftsmen improved design and function, paneled and louvered styles – similar to the modern interior shutter – emerged out of cosmopolitan areas such as Italy. By the 18th and 19th centuries, shutters were being used in American homes, particularity in the South, where they acquired their new name, “Plantation Shutters.” Known for their elegance, grandeur and practical use, shutters became an integral part of both interior and exterior design.

Today, Plantation shutters are considered fine furniture and a mark of discerning style and sophistication. Interior shutters still provide design, privacy, and light control as they have through history, but they also enhance the value of a home. Like any home investment, only products of exceptional quality will provide long-term value and increase appreciation.

At Naples Bay Blinds & Shutters, we believe the best shutter is the result of meticulous management of each step in its creation. Every step—research and development, product design, raw materials sourcing, handcrafting, quality control, and even packaging—are carried out with one goal, to bring you matchless quality, durability, and long-term value in your investment. One of our salespeople will bring our full-line showcase of premium custom shutters. No matter what size, shape and color—we have you covered.

At Naples Bay Blinds & Shutters, we know the importance of providing the highest-quality shutters, blinds and shades. We only partner with the leading manufacturers to ensure our clients receive the best products possible on the market.

Exemplary ServiceWe believe our clients deserve the very best we can give. We pride ourselves in expertly delivering personalized service for each and every order. We are relentless in our goal in ensuring you are completely satisfied, have had an extraordinary experience and are delighted with your new Naples Bay Blinds & Shutters purchase.

Experienced InstallersPrompt and courteous, each one of our professional installers has over 30 years experience leveling, drilling, balancing and fastening the full gamut of our product catalogue and fully-custom pieces – ensuring your order is impeccably delivered.

Serving All of Southwest FloridaWhether you live in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers or on Marco Island, Naples Bay Blinds & Shutters brings the showroom to you! We are ready to meet you in your home, at your convenience to expertly provide a solution that fits your style and needs.

Company Overview

Formerly Mr. Vertical / Florida Interiors of Naples

Originally from Greenwich, Connecticut, Ann and Joe Arciere, Sr. began Mr. Vertical/Florida Interior of Naples in 1982. For over 25 years, the Arciere Family built a longstanding reputation for what is now Naples Bay Blinds & Shutters based upon trust, integrity and craftsmanship as the region’s leading authority in window treatment needs.

Today, Naples Bay Blinds & Shutters is still based in Naples, Florida headed by the new president, Amy B. Perrault. A New England native named Western Massachusetts’ Top 25 Women to Watch and Hartford, Connecticut’s 40 Under Forty, Amy has over 20 years design, marketing and style experience, providing our clients a luxe concierge for their blind, shutter and shade needs with keen eye for detail, sophistication and passion for making their houses a home.

From left, Ann Arciere, Amy B. Perrault, and Joe Arciere, Sr.

Naples Bay Blinds & Shutters is still dedicated to its founding mission – the most important windows in Southwest Florida are yours.